A comparison between buck and boost topologies as module integrated converters to mitigate partial shading effects on PV arrays

Module Integrated Converters (MICs) are one of the most reliable solutions for the partial shading effects problem in Photovoltaic (PV) systems. There are number of converters employed as DC-DC converters in MIC structures. Among them, buck and boost converters are more favorable because of their simple implementation, reduced part counts, high efficiency and easy control. In this paper a comparison between buck and boost converters in MIC structures is given. Advantages and disadvantages of both topologies are investigated, and experimental results are provided to verify operation of these two converters.